Rise on St David's Hill
A year after two young men took ownership of a church in Plymouth, the Fellowship of Christ Church held an open meeting in Exeter. Ten or twelve now gather, with new people among them.
James had cards printed: Rise, over a sunrise, with Jeremiah 31:3 and an invitation to come as you are. On the Friday we walked Exeter's High Street with him, giving them out. The city was busy, prosperous and sunlit, and yet the people were cold.
On the Saturday the brethren met at 17 St David's Hill. Chidera taught on Isaiah 60:1, Arise, shine: darkness covers the people, “we saw it yesterday”, but God is set to use those on whom His glory has risen to recover the land. “Your salvation is not just personal to you.”
We feel so small now, to be part of something bigger than us.
The brethren spoke frankly. Mark, a Christian for twenty-five years: “I don't know why there's no power.” Others spoke of church as keeping up with the Joneses. We record it because it is the honest cry of people who love God and have found the religious system dry.
James spoke last. “It all began with these two in Plymouth. We feel so small now, to be part of something bigger than us: being part of this church, this community, seeing it growing, and the Lord adding people full of the Spirit.”
“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1
